The Fairview City Commission has approved a resolution to enter into a three-year employment contract with City Manager Scott Collins.

City Commissioner Scott Lucas introduced the idea to the commission in July, but that board discussion led to requested revisions to the contract. City Attorney Tim Potter presented the revised contract to the board at their first meeting in September.

Potter explained the key changes were reducing the city manager’s penalty payment from $25,000 to $15,000 if he were to give a 90-day notice if choosing to voluntarily resign for any reason other than retirement, and changing the contract from ending in an election year to ending in 2020 which changed the term of the contract from four years to three years.

Commissioner Derek Burks raised the issue of the 90-notice requirement attached to the penalty payment. “There is really no incentive to give a 90-day notice because he would still have to pay the $15,000,” stated Burks. Potter agreed stating, “The 90-day notice is really more of an expectation (stated in the contract).”

After lengthy discussion, the board decided to remove the 90-day notice from the contract, leaving Collins to pay a $15,000 penalty for any voluntary resignation other than retirement. Crutcher advised the penalty offers the city some protection and allows the city to recoup cost associated with hiring a city manager.

Collins started working for the city in August 2016 with annually salary of $90,000 and no contract for the first year of his employment.

All five commissioners agreed they are satisfied with city manager’s job performance to date. However, Mayor Patti Carroll questioned the need for a contract.

Noting Collins has worked without a contract for the last year, Mayor Carroll said she just expects Collins to “do a good job” and thinks the contract is not necessary.

When asked his preference on a contract, Collins acknowledged he did not desire a contract during his interview process. However, he stated, “I think I have delivered on the investment that has been made over the last year. If you look at where we are to date versus where we were 13 months ago, I don’t think we’re the same.”

Collins stated all the issues raised at the time of his hiring have been addressed, “I think we’ve hit each one of those marks aside from the sewer.”

He said he understands the necessity of a contract on both sides and is comfortable with what the board votes on.

Vice Mayor Shannon Crutcher stated he thought the city would suffer a setback if Collins left. “The idea here is absolutely we want to keep Mr. Collins,” stated Crutcher.

The contract secures Collins’ employment through June 30, 2021. It also states prior to that date, he cannot be terminated from employment without cause.

Under the contract, the city cannot reduce the city manager’s salary, compensation or other financial benefits. The city manager’s benefits include the same as other city employees including vacation and holiday time, retirement, disability, health and life insurance. He also has use of a city vehicle for city-related business.

The contract was approved with a 4-1 with Mayor Carroll being the only opposing vote.